University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division

Death and Drugs: Exploring Grief and Addiction Among College Students

Presenter Hometown

Shelbyville, KY

Major

Public Health

Department

Health Promotion and Administration

Degree

Undergraduate

Mentor

Dr. Julie Lasslo

Mentor Department

Health Promotion and Administration

Abstract

Grief and addiction are typically associated with death and drugs. However, there are many types of non-death losses and behavioral addictions that are overlooked in society. These factors affect everyone, often at many points in their lifetime. College students are at particular risk for grief and addiction, as many changes are occuring in their environment during these years. This research aims to explore how grief and addiction impact college students. The main hypothesis is that grief and addiction are positively correlated. To achieve this, a survey was distributed to a randomized sample of 1,500 Eastern Kentucky University students. From the responses, over half of students reported significant non-death losses and behavioral addictions, which displays the influence of these events. Furthermore, there was a moderate correlation between the highest addiction scores and the grief severity. In all, this research supports the idea that grief and addiction can amplify each other. More awareness should be brought to these topics to support those who are struggling. No one should feel alone in their battles.

Presentation format

Poster

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Death and Drugs: Exploring Grief and Addiction Among College Students

Grief and addiction are typically associated with death and drugs. However, there are many types of non-death losses and behavioral addictions that are overlooked in society. These factors affect everyone, often at many points in their lifetime. College students are at particular risk for grief and addiction, as many changes are occuring in their environment during these years. This research aims to explore how grief and addiction impact college students. The main hypothesis is that grief and addiction are positively correlated. To achieve this, a survey was distributed to a randomized sample of 1,500 Eastern Kentucky University students. From the responses, over half of students reported significant non-death losses and behavioral addictions, which displays the influence of these events. Furthermore, there was a moderate correlation between the highest addiction scores and the grief severity. In all, this research supports the idea that grief and addiction can amplify each other. More awareness should be brought to these topics to support those who are struggling. No one should feel alone in their battles.